Heh. I've noticed that trend a lot more amongst Democrats than Republicans. Many Republicans across the spectrum consider themselves Republicans first, and their individual "leanings" come second. I would say I consider myself the same way.

I respected McCain up until his 2008 campaign.

The problem with campaigns is that sometimes the errors come from those who run the campaign rather than the politicians. For example, John McCain wanted Lieberman as his running mate, but his campaign knew they'd have a fight on their hands if they went down that road and eventually backed down. Is that McCain's fault or Schmidt's?

Then there's a lot of stuff said about the "hate" in the campaign. Which is at odds with some of McCain's public appearances, where he was quick to point out that Obama is not a terrorist, or an evil man, but a man who wanted to do what was right for America.

McCain was quick to point out that whilst he himself disagreed with Obama's vision, the man was not out to destroy the country. He said that his intentions were good.

There's a big difference between saying someone is dangerous because you believe their policies are dangerous for the country and saying someone actually wants to destroy the country. I never felt McCain's campaign crossed that line.

Of course you may have a different view, and that's fine; the line is a blurry one.

To say nothing of the primary battle he's waging right now, where he's really really trying to prove he's a right-winger in a desperate bid to keep his seat.

Which is really no different to any other politician. Obama himself was guilty of switching positions several times during his Presidential campaign.

If you believe that what you will do in office will benefit the country, sometimes you have to realise that the electorate may not know what's in its best interests. Sounds dangerous, until you ask how many people would choose to pay taxes if it were left up to them. Yet we all know that some level of taxation is necessary, and is actually in the best interests of the taxpayers themselves.

Electioneering is a necessary evil. It ensures that the electorate chooses people who are willing to make the tough decision and do what may prove unpopular.

While this does violate de mortuis nil nisi bonum, Jack Murtha was indeed a champion earmarker. So I'll let it pass this time...

Moderate -

I'd self-confess to being a lefty (I'm not, exactly, but it's close enough for government work, as they say) before I'd self-confess to being a Democrat. Heh.

I respected McCain up until his 2008 campaign. To say nothing of the primary battle he's waging right now, where he's really really trying to prove he's a right-winger in a desperate bid to keep his seat. But I do have to give him credit where he deserves it, just out of intellectual honesty.

Everyone else -

Sorry about the weird "pingback" notices being posted as comments, it's a bug I've got to fix....

-CW

And that, in a nutshell, is why I love this blog. That may be the first time I have read a self-confessed lefty Democrat come out and give McCain credit. Which is made all the more surprising when one considers that McCain is considered by many right-wing Republicans to be a RINO.

Personally I've always admired McCain's general political position as he seems a man who's always voted on what he believes in rather than the party line. I may not always agree with him, but that doesn't stop me respecting the man.

Apologies if that sounds disrespectful of the dead, but I call 'em as I see 'em..

Michale.....